‘No-fault divorces’ to be considered as Government plans major shake-up

Divorce laws are set for a major shake-up, with proposals for no-fault separations under consideration.

Justice Secretary David Gauke is expected to launch a consultation on plans for reform after previously saying he wanted a "less antagonistic" system.

Under the current law in England and Wales, unless people can prove there was adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion, the only way to obtain a divorce without their spouse's agreement is to live apart for five years.

The Ministry of Justice refused to confirm or deny reports about the details of the consultation, but Mr Gauke has said there was a "strong" case for reform.

In May he told The Times: "The more I look at it the more I am concerned that the current system does create a degree of unnecessary antagonism in an already difficult and sensitive set of circumstances."

On Thursday ministers confirmed the law was being examined.

Government spokeswoman Baroness Vere of Norbiton told peers: "We are looking at ways to reduce conflict in a divorce, whether that can be no-fault, whether that can be under financial provisions, whether that can be for enforceable nuptial agreements."